The four-day convention begins July 24 with a bang and doesn’t let up on the wow factor. Day one mixes legends and classics, with a look at some of the fresh faces on the pop culture scene.

Here’s our top 10 picks for the day from inside — and outside — the convention for badge holders:

“Sharknado 2: The Second One”

What: Admit it, you got caught up in the phenomenon of the first film. Now, the SyFy Channel is back with cast Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Kari Wuhrer and Judah Friedlander along with director Anthony C. Ferrante and moderator Sam Thielman of Adweek.

George R.R. Martin Discusses “In the House of the Worm”

What: Bestselling author George R.R. Martin, best known for writing the novels the hit television show “Game of Thrones” is based on, will answer questions and discuss his novels as well as upcoming projects including the new “In the House of the Worm” comic book series with moderator William Christensen of Avatar Press.

Dreamworks Animation

What: This panel will highlight the film “Penguins of Madagascar,” plus other upcoming films. Actors Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich and Tom McGrath will be present during this panel moderated by Craig Ferguson.

Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries TV Showrunners

What: Entertainment Weekly promises a candid discussion with the showrunners of some of TV’s most beloved series including Julie Plec, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Greg Berlanti. The showrunners will talk about the importance of fan feedback and the future of TV.

When: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center.

Her Universe Fashion Show

What: Calling all fan girls, this one’s for you. Her Universe, Hot Topic and The Nerdist bring you the latest in “geek couture” with 36 female clothing designers. Plus, don’t miss the Hot Topic after party and a special announcement during the show.

NASA’s Next Giant Leap

What: Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the moon landing with this panel as actor Seth Green talks with NASA’s Planetary Science Division Director Dr. Jim Green, retired astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Mike Fincke as well as Jet Propulsion Laboratory systems engineer Bobak “Mohawk Guy” Ferdowsi about NASA’s plans for the future. The group will talk about Orion and the Space Launch System rocket, which will carry humans on America’s next great adventure in space, according to NASA’s website,

Showtime: “Penny Dreadful”

What: The increasingly popular Showtime series will make its debut at the convention with creator and showrunner John Logan, plus stars Josh Hartnett, Reeve Carney and Harry Treadaway. The cast will discuss the first season with moderator Aisha Tyler and promises a sneak peek at the second season.

MTV Fandom Awards and Fan Fest

What: The first ever MTV Fandom Awards is sure to be filled with star-studded appearances as the network gives out trophies in categories such as “The Best Fandom Ever.” Directly following the awards show, Lincoln Park will take the stage. The event will air on mtvU.

Batman ‘66

What: As Batman celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Home Entertainment will release “Batman: The Complete TV Series” in November. The panel, moderated by Ralph Garman, will reunite the cast from the original series that began in 1966: Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar.

When: 6-7 p.m.

Where: Hall H, San Diego Convention Center.

Greendale Forever: TV Guide Magazine’s Tribute to “Community”

What: “Community” lives! The TV series was recently picked up by Yahoo! after NBC canceled the fan favorite.

Stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Dino Stamatopoulos will join creator Dan Harmon, executive producer Chris McKenna and moderator TV Guide executive editor Michael Schneider to discuss what comes next for the characters of the show as they attempt to make it to “six seasons and a movie.”

Sarah Batcha is the social media director for Southern California News Group who has been working as a journalist since 2007. During that time, she has primarily worked as a digital or social media editor, but has also been an editor of and covered breaking and community news, as well as travel features, music reviews and international events such as Coachella and San Diego Comic-Con.

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